With Big 12 Media Days just around the corner, the conference announced their preseason all-conference team. Seniors defensive end Ben Banogu and wide receiver/return specialist KaVontae Turpin were honored Wednesday.

Banogu, a former first-team All-Big 12 member and Defensive Newcomer of the Year, was named the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year following an standout junior campaign. A force on the defensive line, Banogu ranked second in the conference last season with eight-and-a-half sacks and third in the Big 12 with 16.5 tackles for loss. He achieved at least one tackle for loss in 13 of TCU’s 14 contests and forced three fumbles last season.

Predicted by many to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft, Banogu decided to return to TCU, returning all but one lineman from one of the top defenses in the conference last season.

Turpin, one of the nation’s most feared kick returners, was one of only five players nationally last season with a punt return and kickoff return for a touchdown. His speed and elusiveness make him so difficult to defend.

A 2017 first-team All-Big 12 member, Turpin averaged 16.2 yards on punt returns and 30.8 yards on kickoff returns. He achieved TCU’s second-longest punt-return score with a 90-yard dash against Kansas.

Turpin’s three career punt returns for touchdowns and four special teams scores are the most in program history.

TCU will return 11 starters from last season’s Valero Alamo Bowl Champions and Big 12 Championship runner-up team, an 11-3 squad.

Turpin, Banogu and the rest of the Horned Frogs will begin training camp Aug. 2, and the Frogs will open the season in Amon G. Carter Stadium Sept. 1 at 11:00 a.m. against Southern University.